JP3097110B2 - Image forming apparatus management apparatus and management system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a copier management device and a management system that perform data communication for copier management with a centralized management device.

[Prior art]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data of a plurality of copying machines is transmitted to a single central processing unit, and the central processing unit collectively processes the data (JP-A-54-54032). (2) A system for centrally managing each copying machine by transmitting management data of a plurality of copying machines to a single central control device via a terminal device of each copying machine and processing the data is proposed. (JP-A-54-44522). (3) There has been proposed a system equivalent to the above, in which communication with a central control device is performed via a communication network such as a public telephone line.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system in which the copier management device collects various data of the copier and transmits it to the central management device of the management center via a communication line, the central management device of the management center directly manages not the copier, It is a copier management device. That is, the copier is indirectly managed via the copier management device connected to the copier. In other words, the management center cannot directly confirm whether or not the transmitted data is the data of the copier to be managed, and indirectly uses the ID (identification code) of the copier management device. It could only be confirmed visually. For this reason, when installing a copier management apparatus in a copier, sufficient care must be taken to prevent accidental connection to another copier (a copier not to be managed). However, even with careful attention, when a plurality of copying machines of the same model are installed for the same user, a connection error may occur. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to enable a management center to directly confirm a copier to be managed.

[Means for solving the problems]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus management apparatus that collects data related to the image forming apparatus, and a centralized management apparatus that communicates data with the image forming apparatus management apparatus via a communication line. In the apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores identification data unique to the image forming apparatus, and a transmission unit that transmits the identification data in response to a request from the image forming apparatus management apparatus, Requesting means for outputting a request for transmitting the identification data to the image forming apparatus; receiving means for receiving the identification data transmitted from the image forming apparatus; Transmitting means for transmitting the identification data received by the receiving means,
The centralized management device is an image forming device management system, characterized by having a storage unit that stores identification data of the image forming device in association with an identification code set in the image forming device management device. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus management apparatus that collects data relating to an image forming apparatus, and communicates with a centralized management apparatus based on the collected data. Image receiving means for receiving the identification data of the image forming apparatus, and transmitting means for transmitting the identification data received by the receiving means and the identification code set in the image forming apparatus management apparatus to the central management apparatus. It is a forming apparatus management apparatus. Further, the present invention, in the above configuration, having means for setting an initial setting mode which is a mode for transmitting the initial setting data to the central management device, when the initial setting mode is set, The transmitting unit transmits the identification data and the identification code, and is an image forming apparatus management apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, in the configuration of the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus is a copy machine. Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus management apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is a copying machine in the configuration of the image forming apparatus management apparatus. The identification data unique to the image forming apparatus is, for example, a model (model) name, a serial number, and the like of the image forming apparatus. Further, the identification code of the image forming apparatus management apparatus is, for example, an ID
Number. When the identification data of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus management apparatus, the identification data of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the central management apparatus together with the identification code of the image forming apparatus management apparatus. The centralized management device stores the identification data of the image forming device and the identification code of the image forming device management device in association with each other. That is, data that associates an image forming apparatus with an image forming apparatus management apparatus is created and stored in the centralized management apparatus.

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] Overall Configuration of System First, a schematic configuration of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this system comprises a number of user devices (one set of user devices is shown in the figure), a center device as an administrator, and a communication line connecting these devices. And a net. Here, on the user side, a copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, and a modem also having a function as a communication terminal device
52 and a telephone 53 as a communication device are installed. The data terminal 1 is a device that receives various types of information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing, and transmits the processed information to a computer on the center side. On the other hand, a modem 72 also having a function as a communication terminal device, a computer (a main body 90, a display 92, a keyboard 93, a printer 94, etc.) and a telephone 73 as a communication device are installed on the center side. Based on the data received via (for example, a telephone line network), data for copier management is created, and necessary measures are taken. Next, each device will be described. <Copier 4> This is an apparatus that forms a copy image on paper by scanning a document image. In the copying machine 4, various types of element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photosensitive drum, toner concentration in the developer, exposure amount of the photosensitive drum,
The developing bias voltage, the amount of toner adhering to the photosensitive drum, the grid voltage of the charging charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), taken into the CPU 41, processed, and then transmitted through the serial I / F 43 and the serial I / F 13. To the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1. Note that the various element data will be referred to as element data x _i (i = 1 to the number of items of element data) in the description of control described later.
They are collectively described in an abstract manner. In the copying machine 4, a counter (a total counter indicating the number of paper discharges, a counter according to a paper size indicating the number of uses for each paper size) serving as a basis for the amount charged by the administrator, and a counter (a counter for maintenance) The JAM counter for each location, which indicates the number of JAMs for each location, the trouble counter for each location, which indicates the number of troubles for each location, and the PM counter for each component, which indicates the number of times each component has been used, are counted. The data is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 via the serial I / F 12. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times of use for each component, and the count value is used as a guide for the component replacement time. Further, the copying machine 4 instructs various key switches (a print (PR) key 46 for instructing the start of a copying operation, a numeric keypad group 47 for inputting numerical values, and clearing of input data) on the operation panel (FIG. 4). A predetermined operation or mode setting is performed in response to signals from a group of switches other than the operation panel (for example, a trouble reset switch 49 for instructing a trouble reset). And, if necessary, the corresponding signal
Data terminal 1 via I / F42 and serial I / F12
Send to CPU11. It should be noted that the transmission data includes a display unit 45.
Includes the numerical data being displayed. The copying machine 4 stores the model (model) name and the serial number data in the S-RAM 44 at the time of shipment from the factory, and in response to a transmission request from the CPU 11 when the data terminal 1 is installed, the above-mentioned data is stored. To the serial I / F4
2. Transmit via serial I / F12. <Data Terminal 1> The data of the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and when a predetermined transmission condition (condition for setting the transmission flag to “1”: see the description of the control described later in detail) is satisfied, the modem Activate 52 to connect the communication line with the center side, and execute the copy machine management data (element data, count data, etc.)
This is a device for transmitting serial number data) to the center. As shown in FIG. 2, the control CP of the data terminal 1
U11 is a ROM 14 storing a control program, a non-volatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later) and the like, a working system RAM 15 backed up by a battery,
Similarly, it is connected to a clock IC17 backed up by a battery. The CPU 11 converts the data transmitted from the copying machine 4 into
Take in from serial I / F12 or serial I / F13,
The processing described below is executed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of a paper ejection code, a JAM code, and a trouble code which are data input via the serial I / F 12. That is, the paper discharge code is represented as a falling edge of the bit b _0, JAM code is represented as bit _{b 7 = 1, b 6 =} 0. The trouble code is represented as bits b ₇ = 1 and b ₆ = 1. The CPU 11 also performs a predetermined operation or mode setting, etc., in response to the input of the operation switch. Here, four DIP switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW4 and a push switch 21 are provided as the operation switches as shown in FIG. DIP / SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. DIP / SW1 is the center selection number (telephone number) input mode, DIP / SW2 is the data terminal 1 identification number (DTID) input mode, and DIP / SW3 is the center identification ID number. (Center ID) input mode,
These are DIP switches for setting each. The push switch 21 is a switch for requesting transmission of identification data (model name / serial number) of the copying machine and for instructing initial setting transmission (see FIG. 8: S151). The CPU 11 also has a communication interface (RS
232CI / F) 18 ・ Modem 52 side communication interface (RS2
32CI / F) 51, it is connected to a modem 52 which is a communication terminal device. That is, by transmitting an off-hook signal and a center selection number signal from the modem 52 to the communication line via these devices, the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is connected, and communication with the center computer is performed. Is configured to obtain. The content of the data (data for copier management) transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the center is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1", as will be described in detail later. When the initial setting transmission is instructed, the identification data of the copying machine (model name / serial number) and the identification data of the copying machine management device (DTID), etc.
Sent to the center side. <Center-side device> This is a computer device configured to be connected to a large number of data terminals via a communication network. This apparatus manages the copiers connected to each data terminal. That is, data transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the modem 72 via the communication line network is transmitted via the communication interface (RS232CI / F) 71 of the modem 72 and the communication interface (RS232CI / F) 98 of the computer. , Sequentially, C
Input to PU91. The CPU 91 processes the data (the element data, the count data, etc.) to create or update management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1. For example, at the time of communication by initial setting transmission, the received identification data (model name and serial number of the copying machine, ID of the copying machine management device) is stored in the management data area of the S-RAM 95 (see FIG. 18). In this embodiment, a battery-backed S-RAM is used as the auxiliary storage device of the CPU 91, but a magnetic disk recording device or an optical disk recording device may be used instead. In addition, a bill is printed out based on the management data, or an instruction as to whether or not to dispatch a serviceman is made, and further, parts and the like to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. Also, at the time of regular communication (communication due to the regular transmission flag being set to “1”), the next regular transmission time data and the like are transmitted from the CPU 91 to the data terminal 1 side. [2] System Control Next, the control of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. <Process on Copying Machine> First, the process in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 41 starts processing, for example, when the power is turned on, and performs initial settings such as clearing a memory and setting a standard mode (S41). After that, the processing of steps S43 to S59 is executed. In step S43, a key switch group (numerical key group 47 for inputting numerical values, a print (PR) key 46 for a copy start command, a clear key 48 for a clear command of a set number) on the operation panel 40
), A switch group such as the trouble reset switch 49, data from a sensor group (not shown) arranged in the copying machine,
And a process of taking in data transmitted from the data terminal 1 side. In step S47, when the identification data (model (model) name / serial number) of the copying machine is requested from the CPU 11 of the copying machine management device (data terminal 1) (S45; YE
S), the identification data is read from the S-RAM 44, and
This is a process of transmitting data to the CPU 11 via the I / F 42 and the serial I / F 12. Step S51 is a step collectively showing processes required during the copying operation. For example, the control includes paper feed control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, and developing device control. Step S53 and subsequent steps are processing when a trouble occurs.
That is, when JAM or other trouble occurs (S5
3; YES), a signal corresponding to the trouble or the like that has occurred is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 (S55).
Also, trouble reset switch by operator etc.
When 49 is operated (S57; YES), a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 in the same manner as described above (S59). <Process on data terminal side> Next, the process in the control CPU 11 of the data terminal
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. (A) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be described in accordance with the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU 11 starts the process when the power is turned on, executes an initial setting process (S13) if necessary,
A copy permission signal is transmitted to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (S15). Thereafter, the process proceeds to a repetitive loop process of steps S17 to S31. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly performed. * Initial setting: S13 This is executed when the dip switch DIP / SW4 is on when the power is turned on, that is, in the initial setting mode (S11; YES). As described later, the center selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTI
D), setting of center ID number (center ID), acquisition of model (model) name and serial number of copier, and
Make an initial setting call. * Reception of count data: S17 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control CPU 41 of the copying machine. Data contents are emission code, JAM / trouble code, JAM
• Trouble counter, paper size counter, PM counter. The control CPU 11 of the data terminal updates these data to the latest values and holds them. * Element data reception / data processing: S19 As described later, data corresponding to the average value and the standard deviation of each element data is sequentially calculated and updated to the latest value. * Trouble transmission determination: S21 As described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. * Scheduled transmission determination: S23 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1, and various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. After the transmission by the scheduled transmission is completed, the center returns the next scheduled transmission time data, the current time data, and the closing date data of the bill. * Warning transmission determination: S25 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined threshold. Further, based on the result, it is determined whether or not the warning data and the warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. * Manual transmission determination: S27 When the push switch 21 is turned on in a mode other than the initial setting mode, the manual transmission flag is set to 1. Thereby, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. * PM transmission judgment: S29 As described later, the count value is set to “0” by replacing parts.
The count value of the PM counter cleared before
Send to the center. * Call processing: S31 As described later, when any of the transmission flags is set to "1", the communication terminal device on the center side is called.
After the connection with the CPU 91 on the center side, data communication is executed. (B) Subroutine Next, details of each subroutine step will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in order with reference to FIG. * Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the power switch is turned on.
This is executed when the DIP SW4 is turned on (S11; YES). In this processing, the center selection number, the data terminal ID (DTID), and the processing for receiving the initial setting of the center ID, the identification data of the connected copier (model (model))
Name and serial number), and initial setting transmission. First, the memory 15 is initialized (S101), and then the DIP switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW3 are turned on. When the DIP / SW1 is turned on (S111; YES), the mode becomes the input mode of the selection number (telephone number). That is, the numeric keypad of the copier
The numerical value input by 47 and displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center selection number data in response to the input of the print key 46 (S113; YES) (S115). ). The selection number input mode is DIP / S
It is released by turning off W1 (S117). Similarly, in response to the turning on of DIP SW2 (S121; YES), the DT
The ID input mode is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 corresponds to the input of the print key 46 (S123; YE
S), and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTID data (S125). The DTID input mode is released by turning off the DIP SW2 (S127). Similarly, the center ID input mode is set in response to the turning on of the DIP / SW 3 (S131; YES), and is displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 every time the print key 46 is input (S133; YES). The stored numerical value is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as the center ID data (S135). The center ID input mode is
It is released by turning off DIP / SW3 (S137). When all three types of data settings are completed (S141; YES), the push switch 21 is enabled. That is, when the push switch 21 is pressed (S143; YE
S), subject to the ready status of the connected copier (S
145; YES), and requests identification data (model (model) name / serial number) of the copying machine (S147). If the identification data is transmitted from the copying machine in response to the request (see S47 in FIG. 6), the identification data is fetched from the serial I / F 12 (S149), and the control center is sent to the management center. (S151). That is, after calling the management center, the two types of IDs are sent to the CPU 91.
Data, identification data of the copying machine, etc. are transmitted. After the transmission is completed, the data (the closing date of the count data, the next scheduled transmission time, the current time, and the threshold value for the warning determination) transmitted from the CPU 91 of the center are received and stored. After the end of the transmission / reception, it is determined whether or not the communication has been normally performed (S153). As a result, if the operation is not performed normally (S153; N
O), returning to step S111 to wait for the push switch 21 to be turned on again. On the other hand, if the operation has been performed normally (S153; YES), the process returns to the main routine and executes the processing of step S15 and subsequent steps. * Reception of element data, etc. (FIG. 9) In this subroutine step, a threshold value (warning transmission determination;
Data for comparison with (see FIG. 11) is calculated. First, the element data group x _{i, j} transmitted from the copying machine every time the copy paper is discharged is fetched from the serial I / F 13 (S2
01). Here, the subscript i represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript j represents the order in each item. Next, after substituting the initial value 1 for the item number i (S203),
For each item, the maximum value x _iMAX , the minimum value x _iMIN , and the sum
x _ik is sequentially updated (S205 to S217). Thereafter, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and if j is 4 or less, the process returns to the main routine. When the processes of steps S201 to S217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES), the subscript j is reset to 1 (S223), and the initial value 1 is substituted for the item number i (S225). , The difference between the maximum and minimum values for each item
R _ik and the average value X _ik of the four data are calculated (S227 to S233). Step S229 is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value x _iMAX and the minimum value x _iMIN in preparation for the next processing in steps S205 to _S211 . After the processing of S227 to S233, steps S237 to S245,
Alternatively, the processing of steps S247 to S263 is executed. Steps S237 to S245 are processing when the total of the processing of S227 to S233 has not reached 33 times, and for each item, the sum R _iSUM of the difference R _ik between the maximum value and the minimum value, and
In this step, the sum X _iSUM of the average value X _ik of the four data is calculated for 32 data. On the other hand, steps S247 to S263 are processing when the total of the processing of S227 to S233 is 33 or more, and for each item, the sum R _{iSUM of} the difference R _{ik and} the sum of the average value X _ik X
_This is a step of calculating _iSUM for the latest 32 data and calculating respective average values ▼ and ▼. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value of the latest 128 (= 4 × 32) data
▼ and average value of deviation (value equivalent to standard deviation) ▲
Get ▼. * Trouble transmission determination (Fig. 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble transmission and trouble recovery transmission. That is, in the state of “trouble flag = 0” (S301; YES),
When a trouble code from the copier is detected (S303; YE
S), set the trouble flag and trouble transmission flag to “1”
Are set respectively (S305). In the state of “trouble flag = 1” (S301; NO),
When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (S307; YE
S), the trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because the paper discharge in the copying machine is an operation performed after recovery from the trouble. The call processing (FIG. 13) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and trouble data and trouble recovery data are transmitted to the center. * Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) This processing is a subroutine for managing warning transmission and warning recovery transmission. Steps S401 to S427 are processes for executing a warning transmission when the value of the element data is out of the permissible range specific to the element data, and a warning recovery transmission when returning to within the permissible range. is there. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of element data (S401). Next, in step S411, a warning flag for the target element data (first time, the first element data) is determined. As a result, when the warning flag for the element data is “0” (S411; YES), it is determined whether the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data, in other words, the upper limit. Threshold _iU or less and lower threshold
It is determined whether it is within the range of _iL or more, and if it is out of the allowable range (S413; YES or S415; YES), a warning flag F _i and a warning transmission flag for the element data are set. Are set to "1" (S417). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and
Warning data is sent. On the other hand, in step S411, if the warning flag of the target element data is “1” (S411; NO), it is determined whether or not the value of the element data has returned to within the allowable range. the (S421; YES, and, S423; YES), a warning flag F _i for the element data is reset to "0", also set to "1" warning recovery transmission flag. As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the alarm recovery data is transmitted to the center. After performing this processing until i reaches the number of items of the element data, in other words, after performing all the element data, the process proceeds to step S431 and thereafter. Steps S431 to S445 are to issue a warning when the count value (frequency) of the JAM counter and the PM counter exceeds a specific threshold, and to issue a warning recovery transmission when the count value returns below the threshold.
This is a process to be executed. First, an initial value “i (the value of the last number of the element data + 1)” is set to the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and the PM counter (S431). Next, in step S433, the target JAM counter or P
Determine the warning flag for the M counter. As a result, when the warning flag for the JAM counter or the PM counter is “0” (S433; YES), whether the value of the counter is within the allowable range specific to the counter, that is, the threshold _m It is determined whether the counter has exceeded the threshold. If the counter has exceeded (S435; YES), the warning flag _Fm and the warning transmission flag for the counter are set to “1”, respectively (S43).
7). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the warning data is transmitted to the center. On the other hand, in S433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is “1” (S4
33; NO), the value of the counter determines whether the returned below the threshold, if the return (S441; reset to YES), a warning flag F _m for the counter "0", also ,
Set the warning recovery transmission flag to "1". As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the alarm recovery data is transmitted to the center. After performing this processing until m reaches the total number of items of the counter and the element data, in other words, after performing all the counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, the warning transmission and the warning recovery transmission are managed. * PM transmission determination (Fig. 12) In this process, PM transmission is managed. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of the PM counter (S501), and after executing the processes of steps S503 to S511, the value of i is incremented, that is, the type of the PM counter is changed. Alternately, repeat the above process. Here, when the PM counter is cleared (S505; YES, and S507; YES), the processing of S503 to S511 stores the count value immediately before the PM counter is cleared (S509),
This is the process of setting the transmission flag to "1" (S511). The PM counter is cleared by a serviceman when replacing a part corresponding to the PM counter. When the “PM transmission flag = 1” is set, the call processing (the
13) is executed, and the PM data (the type of the replaced part, the count value immediately before the replacement) is transmitted to the center. * Call processing (FIGS. 13 and 14) In this processing, the center is called in response to "any transmission flag = 1" and data corresponding to the transmission flag is transmitted. At the time of initial setting transmission (see FIG. 8, S151), the initial setting transmission flag is set to "1", and
The call processing is performed. First, if any of the transmission flags is set to “1” (S601; YES), it is determined that redial is not in standby (S603; N).
O), on the condition that the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is not connected (S605; NO) and that the off-hook signal and the selection signal are not transmitted to the communication line (S607; NO), Command to send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line (S609). By the process in step S609, the determination in the next step S607 is “YES”. In this case, if the telephone 53 of the user is "busy (in use of the communication line)" and the modem 52 cannot send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line (S611; YES), A time after a certain time is set as a redial time (S613). S6
By the process at 13, the determination in step S603 is "YES" until the redial time comes, and the center modem 72
Is not executed. When the redialing time comes, S603; NO → S605; NO → S607; NO → S609 again instructs the modem 52 to send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line. Also, as a result of the off-hook signal and the selection signal being transmitted from the modem 52 to the communication line by the processing in step S609, the modem 72 on the center side is "busy (the communication line on the center side is occupied)". If it turns out (S6
15; YES), redial time processing (FIG. 14; described later) is executed (S617). As a result, the determination in step S603 is “YES” until the time set in the redial time process, and the calling process of the center-side modem 72 is not executed. At the time set in this process, the center modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, by the processing in step S609, the off-hook signal and the selection signal are transmitted from the modem 52 to the communication line, and as a result, when the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is connected (S605; YES), It waits for a transmission enabled state due to data transmission permission, and when it becomes a transmission enabled state (S62
1; YES), the data is transmitted to the center side (S625).
The data transmitted in step S625 is data defined by the transmission flag set to "1". For example, at the time of initial setting transmission, identification data (model (model) name / serial number) of the connected copier together with DTID etc.
Is sent. Thus, when all data is transmitted (S623; YE
S), resets the transmission flag to “0” (S627), and
A line disconnection signal is sent to the communication line to disconnect the communication line with the center-side modem 72 (S629). Next, the redial time process (S617, FIG. 14) will be described. The redial time process is a process of setting a retransmission (redial = recall) time when a connection with the center-side CPU 91 cannot be established (S615; YES). First, a counter (redial counter) for counting the number of redials is counted up (S651). The counter is cleared after connection of the communication line with the center. Next, it is determined whether or not the current call is a call in an emergency mode (for example, trouble transmission). As a result, if the mode is the emergency mode (S653; YES), the condition is that the redial counter value is less than a times (= about 10 to 20 times) (S63).
55; YES), the time one minute after the present time is set as the next call (redial) time (S657). That is, in the emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials reaches a. If the number of redials in the emergency mode reaches a (S655; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S659). If a connection cannot be made to the center even after a call has been made (it is assumed that the line is abnormally congested or the center CPU 91 stops operating, etc.), the communication line on the user side is occupied and the telephone 53 or the like is used. This is so as not to disturb. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S653 that the mode is not the emergency mode (S653; NO), any even minute time within 20 minutes from the present time is provided on condition that the redial counter value is less than b (S661; YES). Is set as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S663). As a result, even when the center is called from a large number of data terminals, the redial time of each data terminal is scattered and the possibility of connection to the center is increased. If the number of redials in the non-emergency mode is b or more (S661; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next redial time (S665). If the center cannot be connected despite the number of times the center is called (abnormal congestion of the communication line, operation stop of the center side CPU 91, etc.), the communication line on the user side is occupied and the telephone 53 or the like is occupied. This is so as not to hinder use. The call processing is performed as described above, data is transmitted to the center, and data from the center is received as necessary. <Process at the center> Next, the CPU 9 installed in the computer at the center
The processing in step 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) F1 to F7 key processing (FIG. 15) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting a power supply, and first executes environment setting of a modem, a printer, and the like (S6).
1). After that, according to the input operation of each key switch F1 ~ F7 on the keyboard 93, the following mode is set, or
Perform the following processing. -F1 key operation (S63; YES) The reception mode of model registration is set (S65). That is, new registration of a model name, the number of items of element data, a name of each element data, a threshold of each element data, a threshold of each count data, and the like is received. -F2 key operation (S67; YES) The registration acceptance mode of the user master is set (S69).
That is, new registration of the user name, address, telephone number, scheduled transmission date and time, etc. is accepted. -F3 key operation (S71; YES) Trouble status is displayed (S73). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, model name) of the copying machine that has caused the trouble, the date and time of occurrence, and the like are displayed on the display 92 together with the trouble content. The number of troubles is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 irrespective of the operation of the F3 key. -F4 key operation (S75; YES) A warning status is displayed (S77). That is, the user information of the copying machine that has issued the warning is displayed on the display 92 together with the contents of the warning. The number of warnings is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key. -F5 key operation (S79; YES) The non-reception status is displayed (S81). That is, the user information of the copying machine that does not perform the scheduled transmission even after the predetermined scheduled transmission time has passed is displayed on the display 92. The number of unreceived messages is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key. -F6 key operation (S83; YES) The display mode of the user data is set (S85). That is, when the user is selected, the display 92 displays the user information. When the submenu is selected, the count values of various counters (total counter, counter for each paper size, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) and element data of the user copying machine are displayed monthly.
Or, it is displayed for each item. -F7 key operation (S87; YES) The invoice is printed out (S89). For example, the charge amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out. (B) Interrupt processing (FIGS. 16 to 18) The CPU 91 receives the data transmitted from the data terminal by the interrupt processing, and performs a predetermined processing on the received data (S91). First, when an interrupt occurs due to an incoming call from the communication line,
The data transmitted from the data terminal is received (S901). Here, in addition to the DTID, for example, identification data (model (model) name / serial number) of the copying machine and the like are received at the time of initial setting transmission. The received identification data is stored in the S-RAM 9 together with the DTID.
In the management data area 5, as shown in FIG. 18, the data is stored for each user. If a communication error occurs (S903; YES),
On condition that the number of occurrences of the error is not more than a predetermined number (S913; YES), the data terminal is requested to retransmit data such as DTID (S905). If the number of occurrences of the error exceeds a predetermined number (S913; NO), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S909). When the communication with the data terminal is completed normally (S907; YES), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S909), and then the data is tabulated by item and by month, and the data for screen display by the operator is selected. Create (S911). As described above, the processing is performed by the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 11 of the data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and the present system that connects each user to the center, which is the administrator, via the communication line is controlled.

【The invention's effect】

According to the present invention, the identification data of the image forming apparatus is read out by the image forming apparatus management apparatus and transmitted to the central management apparatus together with the identification data (identification code) of the image forming apparatus management apparatus. The identification data of the apparatus and the identification data of the image forming apparatus management apparatus are stored in association with each other. According to the present invention, since the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus management apparatus are stored in association with each other by the centralized management apparatus, the centralized management apparatus can correctly grasp and manage the image forming apparatuses to be managed. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system in which the apparatus of the embodiment is used, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the system, FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel of a copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 6 is a control CPU of the copying machine. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing processing in the control CPU of the embodiment device,
FIG. 7 is a main routine, FIG. 8 is an initial setting processing subroutine, FIG. 9 is an element data reception / data processing subroutine, FIG.
FIG. 11 is a warning transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 12 is a PM transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 13 is a call processing subroutine, and FIG.
The figure shows a redial time processing subroutine. Fig. 15 ~
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing by a control CPU of a computer of a center connected to the apparatus of the embodiment via a communication network, and FIG. 15 is a main part of a main routine;
The figure shows the interruption processing, and FIG. 17 shows the details of the interruption processing. 18th
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of management data of each copying machine management device which is centrally managed by a computer at a center. 1 ... Data terminal (DT), 4 ... Copier, 90 ... Center computer, 11 ... DT CPU, 41 ... Copier C
PU, 91: Center CPU, DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW4 ... Dip switch, 21: Push switch, 52 ... DT modem, 72 ... Center modem, 53 ... DT telephone, 73 ... …
Center phone,

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-257154 (JP, A) JP-A-3-252267 (JP, A) JP-A-1-270445 (JP, A) JP-A-63- 61544 (JP, A) JP-A-4-53972 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 396 H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus; an image forming apparatus managing apparatus for collecting data related to the image forming apparatus; and a centralized managing apparatus for communicating data with the image forming apparatus managing apparatus via a communication line. In the forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus has storage means for storing identification data unique to the image forming apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting the identification data in response to a request from the image forming apparatus management apparatus. Requesting means for outputting a request for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit identification data,
The image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives the identification data transmitted from the image forming apparatus; and a transmitting unit that transmits the identification data received by the receiving unit to the centralized management device. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: storage means for storing identification data of the image forming apparatus in association with an identification code set in the management apparatus. 2. An image forming apparatus management apparatus which collects data relating to an image forming apparatus and communicates with a centralized management apparatus based on the collected data, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits a unique image forming apparatus specific data transmitted from the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives identification data; and a transmitting unit that transmits the identification data received by the receiving unit and the identification code set in the image forming apparatus management apparatus to the central management apparatus. Device management device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for setting an initial setting mode in which initial setting data is transmitted to the centralized management device. The image forming apparatus managing apparatus, wherein the transmitting unit transmits identification data and an identification code. 4. An image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine. 5. An image forming apparatus management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine.